Haruto Motomura

eLife Assessment The ratio of nuclei to cell volume is a well-controlled parameter in eukaryotic cells. This study now reports important findings that expand our understanding of the regulatory relationship between cell size and number of nuclei. The evidence supporting the conclusions is convincing obtained by applying appropriate and validated methodology in line with current state-of-the-art.

Abstract The regulation of cell volume and nuclear number in multi-nucleate organisms remains largely unknown. The koji-fungus Aspergillus oryzae has been used in traditional Japanese brewing and fermentation. We discovered that cell volume of hyphae increases tenfold, and the number of nuclei in the hyphal cells also increases tenfold, exceeding 200. The increase in cell volume and nuclear number is unique to A. oryzae and correlates with its high enzyme production capabilities.